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When was the last time a surfer needed to be "rescued" barring some type of injury or shark attack? Have there ever been any instances of surfers being swept out to sea in big swells? ... I know I haven't heard of anything like that around here ...

When was the last time a surfer needed to be "rescued" barring some type of injury or shark attack? Have there ever been any instances of surfers being swept out to sea in big swells? ... I know I haven't heard of anything like that around here ...

All it takes is for your leash to snap, then it's time to face the wrath.

All it takes is for your leash to snap, then it's time to face the wrath.

Yeah, that's true ... I was just saying that barring something happening, i.e., if you have your surfboard with you, and you're not physically hurt, I would think you should be okay.

Have there been any instances of surfers needing a rescue simply from being in big surf and finding themselves unable to get back to shore (again, assuming they aren't hurt and haven't lost their board)? I ask because around here, now that the lifeguards are off-duty, I'm not sure who would come and get you in that instance ... it would probably have to be some type of first-responder like the fire-dept/police or possibly even the coast-guard.

Yeah, that's true ... I was just saying that barring something happening, i.e., if you have your surfboard with you, and you're not physically hurt, I would think you should be okay.

Have there been any instances of surfers needing a rescue simply from being in big surf and finding themselves unable to get back to shore (again, assuming they aren't hurt and haven't lost their board)? I ask because around here, now that the lifeguards are off-duty, I'm not sure who would come and get you in that instance ... it would probably have to be some type of first-responder like the fire-dept/police or possibly even the coast-guard.

About 8 years ago, I paddled out in a hurricane swell with a buddy. To be honest, we really should not have paddled out - we realized that after we made it past the breakers. I started going for a monster, which I did catch, only to be gobbled up down the line. My leash snapped during the 'washing machine cycle' and I was all alone. My buddy was a good ways away, thanks to the killer drift. I tried paddling in to shore, but the sets just kept sucking me out. Someone must have called the police, because CB guards showed up in Team America fashion via their Hummer. One guard hopped out and grabbed my board, which had already washed up. About 10 minutes later, I finally made it to shore, with no help from the guards. I walked up, grabbed my board, said "thanks for saving my board" & walked off. Guards are not technically supposed to put their lives in danger, so a resuce is not always in line, if you will. Looking back, it was a great lesson and I'm glad I was able to make it in on my own. The same swell tore apart the North End pier - my buddy and I actually saw a pier piling floating away when we were out there. We thought it was a whale at first.

The ocean is a ferocious beast, so don't take it for granted. On that note, don't count on a rescue, so know your limits.